Houston nightclubs, bars, restaurants and businesses will be required to display their dress code rules on the front of their establishments.
Explained
A new ordinance, approved during the July 17 City Council meeting, will require businesses within the city of Houston to post their dress code at or near the entrance for the public to clearly see. If not enforced, it will be “interpreted that there is no dress code, and no dress code policy shall be enforced,” according to the ordinance.
Council member Edward Pollard pushed the effort after he and Controller Chris Hollins were denied entry to an establishment because of Hollins’ shoes. Pollard said they eventually got in and saw others who were also wearing tennis shoes.
He said the ordinance is a way to prevent businesses from “arbitrarily selecting who gains entry based on attire” and eliminating any discriminatory practices.
“I think it only makes sense,” Pollard said. “It’s only reasonable that if you have a policy that governs entry, and you’re a public establishment, the public should be aware of what the policy for entrance is.”
Council members Julian Ramirez and Fred Flickinger said they have received concerned messages and complaints from the Greater Houston Restaurant Association about the ordinance. Pollard said his team reached out to the association, and after discussion, they no longer had concerns or questions.
"We appreciate the extra time and discussion, which resolved our questions around enforcement procedures and cost," the association wrote in a July 17 statement. "We look forward to working with council and city departments to ensure the ordinance does not create unintended consequences for local restaurants."
Misty Starks, the director of communications for Pollard's office, said once the ordinance is signed in a few days, it will go into effect immediately. Businesses will be expected to comply as soon as possible, she said.
Those opposed
The ordinance was approved in an 11-2 vote, with council members Mary Nan Huffman and Flickinger voting no, and council members Willie Davis and Twila Carter absent.
Huffman said she voted against the ordinance as she felt it was “unnecessary government overreach,” and believes this isn’t an issue that matters to the public.
“Prior to this item being placed on the council agenda, I can’t recall a time that somebody who showed up to a public session or came before this body and has even talked about this issue,” Huffman said. “Bars and restaurants will open to the public. They’re private establishments that should have the freedom to communicate their dress code in a manner that best aligns with their needs.”
Those in favor
Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said the ordinance considers an issue that those unaffected may not think about.
“I think this is a very good ordinance,” Evans-Shabazz said. "It cuts down the possibility of confrontation when it’s very clear. Unless you walk in the skin of the possibility of discrimination, you may not understand why this is an issue. This is something that really happens a lot to, particularly, African American males.”
Pollard said he believes this ordinance will keep the bad actors accountable, as it allows the public to have “legal remedy” against businesses that don’t post their dress code.
